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Mining Association of Canada's Annual Mining Day on the Hill Event

OTTAWA, Nov. 24 /CNW Telbec/ - Over 50 of Canada's senior mining industry executives will be in Ottawa today to participate in the Mining Association of Canada's annual Mining Day on the Hill event.

The mining sector contributed $40 billion to Canada's GDP in 2008, employing 351,000 workers in mineral extraction, smelting, fabrication and manufacturing, and providing benefit to over 3000 suppliers of goods and services. The industry has responded to the ongoing recession through reducing output in some facilities, although there are now clear signs of recovery and growth and companies are gradually increasing their production levels. It is now more important than ever that governments work together to support the long-term strength of the industry as global demand recovers.

Mining Day participants will stress to government the following priority areas where enhanced effort and investment would contribute to a stronger Canadian industry:

- Improvements in regulatory efficiency:
- Commitment to regulatory improvements and implementation of the
Northern Regulatory Improvement Initiative
- Regulations for air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions that
are efficient and effective, without duplication between
jurisdictions
- Improvements to the investment climate with appropriate tax
incentives
- Investment in broadening Canada's geological database

"Minerals and metals help build the products and infrastructure essential to modern life. The mineral exploration and mining industry makes a significant annual contribution to the Canadian economy, including through payments to governments, and its output is fundamental to the emergence of many sectors, including clean energy technologies," said Gordon Peeling, President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada. "The Canadian industry faces competitiveness challenges, both at the raw materials and value-added processing stage, although long-term industry prospects remain buoyant. By focusing on the priority areas, the government can contribute significantly to a stronger Canadian industry."

The Mining Association of Canada is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry. Its members are engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi-fabrication.

SOURCE Mining Association of Canada (MAC)

For further information: For further information: Maggie Papoulias, Mining Association of Canada, mpapoulias@mining.ca, Telephone: (613) 371-5007